Questioning a Mysterious Illness After a Public Pool Visit
Recently, I (31F, otherwise healthy) enjoyed a swim with a friend at a local public swimming pool on Thursday evening. The place was quite crowded, filled mostly with children splashing around. I felt perfectly fine and healthy at that time. After about an hour in the water, I noticed a slight dizziness and figured it was best to exit the pool. Within just five minutes of sitting back at our table in the sweltering 90-degree heat, a shivering sensation overtook me, and it felt as though every nerve in my body was ignited. I can hardly articulate the discomfort; it was as if my entire body was in a state of tension and I was freezing. We decided to leave. By the time I arrived home, I felt incredibly weak and was moving at a snail's pace. I was experiencing a fever of 101.3 degrees and my heart rate was significantly elevated—normally at 65 but peaking at 116 while resting. In addition, I had a mild sore throat, which I attributed to potential chlorine irritation from the pool. At the emergency room, I unfortunately threw up during the triage process. I continued to battle intense nausea, fever, and an increased heart rate for several hours. Although all tests came back negative, it was noted that my white blood cell count was high. They administered fluids, prescribed an antibiotic, and I was sent home. Fast forward to Saturday, day two on antibiotics, and aside from the sore throat, which has now escalated to severe, I'm thankfully symptom-free. My throat, while devoid of pus and not strep, appears extremely red, and the lymph nodes are swollen, leading to a tightness in my jaw that radiates to my ears. Does anyone have insights into what might be going on? The ER physician was unable to determine the cause of my symptoms and speculated it might be some sort of infection. They were particularly puzzled as to why my heart rate remained elevated even after my fever had decreased for a few hours. While she observed some redness in my throat, it's evident that the condition has worsened since then. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 3:30:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging experience, and it's understandable to feel unsettled given your symptoms. Your situation may be related to several factors, including a possible viral or bacterial infection, dehydration, or even an adverse reaction to the pool environment. Let’s break it down further and focus on actionable steps to help you feel better.
Key Points:
- The symptoms you experienced—fever, dizziness, nausea, and throat issues—suggest a possible infection or reaction.
- While your fever has decreased, the worsening sore throat and swelling in your lymph nodes should be monitored closely.
- Staying hydrated and managing symptoms at home can be beneficial while you recover.
Explanation:
- Infection Possibility: Your elevated white blood cell count indicates your body was likely fighting an infection. The redness in your throat and swollen lymph nodes align with this as your immune system responds.
- Dizziness and Elevated Heart Rate: These could be related to fever, dehydration, or anxiety from the stress of your symptoms. After exertion in a crowded pool, it's common to feel dizzy, especially in hot weather.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These may occur due to the intense stress your body experienced or some reaction to dehydration.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure you drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions) to stay hydrated, especially given the fever and vomiting you experienced.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, particularly the severity of your sore throat, fever, and any new symptoms. If your sore throat worsens or you develop other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, consider increasing urgency to seek further medical advice.
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Pain and Fever Management: Using over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help reduce discomfort and any lingering fever. Follow the dosage guidelines on the package.
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Rest: Allow your body to recover; make sure to rest adequately and avoid strenuous activities.
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Seek Further Advice if Needed: If you notice that your symptoms don't improve after a few days on antibiotics, or if they worsen, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider. This is particularly important for your throat pain and any breathing difficulties.
Remember, it's perfectly okay to feel worried or anxious after such an incident. If you find the anxiety around this event affecting your mental health or daily life, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Your well-being is important, both physically and emotionally. Keep us updated on your progress!
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